Goof

/ɡuːf/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mistake or blunder.

That was a major goof; I sent the email to the wrong person.

A foolish or silly person.

Don’t be such a goof; pay attention to what you're doing.

verb

To make a silly mistake or blunder.

I really goofed the presentation by forgetting my main points.

To act in a silly or foolish manner.

They were just goofing around at the party instead of dancing.

From the early 20th century; possibly from 'goofy' or from the root of 'goof off'.

goof off

To waste time or be idle instead of working.

goof around

To spend time doing silly or playful things.

goofball

A silly or foolish person.

goofy

Silly or eccentric; playful in a foolish way.

goofing

The act of making mistakes or acting foolishly.

To spend time doing nothing productive.

We just goofed for a couple of hours before heading to the party.

To mess up or fail at something.

I totally goofed my presentation.